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Information on Copic Markers + Giveaway

I have been receiving a lot of questions about Copic Markers, so I decided to do a post on them. Please keep in mind that I use them "my own way" and some of these points are just my opinion. However, I will be sharing links to the "official" stuff, too. Enjoy!

THE BASICS OF COPIC MARKERS

Copic Markers have been around for a long time in the architecture and art worlds. They are high quality, long lasting (won't dry out for years and you can store upright or on side), color consistent, non-toxic, acid-free when dry, refillable and come in 334 fabulous colors. They are permanent (color your gems and buttons) but don't cross contaminate – you can't ruin one marker by touching it's tip with another.

They are alcohol-based dye markers, which means a lot of great things. No matter how many times you color over an image, it will not cause the paper to pill. They give smooth results (no more stripes in your colored images!) and the ability to blend.

There are four types of Copic Markers. You can find info on each HERE, but I recommend the Sketch. They are most common in the industry and come in the most colors. I also like that they have a VERY durable nib in Medium Broad and Brush. The brush end is soft, flexible and never frays. Amazing marker. Sketch markers also have an oval body, which prevents rolling – love this. They can even be used in the airbrush system (more on that in a bit). Here it is…

I do a have a few green pens in the OriginalMarker since they have a bullet tip good for coloring in tiny stems on flowers. Here it is…

The Colorless Blender Pen is a must. However, the name is a bit misleading. It is not really a blender, but actually can be used to "erase" mistakes, make colors lighter, highlighting, push color, etc. I promise to show you lots of techniques with it in the future. Get it. 🙂

Copic also has some great glitter pens called Spica. They have tiny glass flakes, offering a gorgeous sparkle. They can be bought individually HERE or in sets HERE (my fave) and HERE. (Regular Copics can be stored upright or on their side, but Spicas need to be stored on their side.) Here is one…

Copic also has a Multiliner SP fine-tip pen in 10 different tip sizes. I like to have the black 0.3 – it is fabulous, acid-free, archival safe, won't bleed with Copics, etc. I use it for all my journaling, touching-up of stamped images, etc. Here it is…

There are many techniques that you can use Copics for. It is not just about basic coloring. You can blend, create patterns, feather, etc. I will be sure to share these with you on my blog via videos. But I did want to mention that these aren't just markers that are wonderful for basic coloring. There is sooooo much more.

COLORS

The Copic color coding seems complicated, but it really isn't. And to be honest, you really don't need to pay attention to codes if you don't want to. I tend to ignore them and use what I like. 🙂 But I will explain the numbers anyway. Here is the cap…

The First Number – This tells the color saturation or intensity. Lower numbers are more vibrant. Higher numbers are more gray.

The Second Number – This tells the color brightness. Lower numbers are light. Higher numbers are bright/dark.

This color coding system helps when picking which markers can be used together as a "natural blendinggroup." Look for markers with the same letters and first number. So, B21 to B29 work great together. When blending two markers, pick ones that are two to four digits apart. So, B00, B02 and B05 would blend great. Some colors don't follow this rule, but usually they do.

If you are getting started, I don't recommend just going out and buying random colors you happen to like. To really get the most out of your Copics, you need to have 3 or 4 markers that can be used together as that "natural blending group" – various shades of a color. So, if you want to start out with 10, for example, just pick a 3 of your favorite colors and get sets of them, along with a Colorless Blender Pen.

I get asked a lot about my favorite colors. Now, keep in mind that I use Copics for bold coloring, not for a ton of shading or shadowing or softness. (If you like softer, please check out advice from Debbie Olsen HERE.) So my colors are bold. If I really want lighter, I use my blender pen to pick up a darker color… creating a light color. (I will share this technique later.) You may want to add in a few lighter colors. (ETA: You don't need to have as many Copics as I do to enjoy them. Keep in mind – this is my job, thus having them makes a lot more sense. I likely wouldn't have as many for a hobby! 🙂

People ask about my favorites – ones I reach for often. Some are part of a natural color grouping, and some are just random good colors. (Notice under Pinks I have some R's and some RV's. Sometimes colors with different letters work well together.) I have a lot listed here…

If you are looking to try out some, here are a few suggested color combos that I find fun to use together. Remember, if you want a very light color, you would need to add that in, as I like more vibrant.

Another great option for starting out is to look at the sets HERE. This is where I started. I picked a price range and started my addiction. 🙂

As for refills, you can get them for every color. However, I wouldn't get any right away. I have yet to need to refill any of mine!

PAPER AND INK

To prevent bleeding of colors, it is important to use specific papers and inks with your Copics. There are many options, but my favorites are Neenah paper and Memento ink.

Neenah Solar White cardstock works great with Copics. You can buy it in packs of 25 sheets HERE, or by the ream (250 sheets) HERE. I highly recommend the ream. This is the white cardstock I use for EVERYTHING. I use it to mat my photos… for regular stamping… for copics. I just adore it. Yum.

My favorite ink for Copics is Tsukineko Memento. I use the Tuxedo Black ink HERE most, but all the colors work. This ink makes me happy. Here is the ink…

AIR BRUSHING

Something really cool that you can do with Copics is Airbrushing. There are a few systems. Two of them use aircans that can be replaced. The other is a mini air compressor. You just pop your Sketch or Original Copic into the handle, press the button and spray away! It is great for sky's, etc. I have the air compressor and will share it in future videos. I am surprised how much I love it.

STORAGE

And, as collectors of stuff crafters, we need to know how to store these, right? There are a few ways, but I prefer the storage units from Studio 3 HERE. They are perfect and by far better than the many other storage options I bought and tried. (I use the extra shelves for my white pens, refills and Memento Ink.)

By the way, since Copics are air-tight, you can store them on their side or upright. Doesn't matter.

WHERE TO GET COPICS

When I decided to start buying Copics, I went to the craft store that originally "brought" Copics to the stamping arena – Ellen Hutson. I did this for a few reasons. First, I like to support the stores that help the industry. Also, she has put a lot of information and tutorials out there. (Check out the store's blog HERE.) Finally, she has some great sets for sale that offer a wonderful place to start, while also carrying them individually. She usually ships same day – which rocks my world – and has low shipping and free shipping for orders over $150. Oh, and one more thing I like – she carries the paper I love most – Neenah.

I also like Eclectic Paperie. They have great service, too, along with a lot of Tim's products that I love. They also have a great blog and videos.

Another site that has good prices and service is McCallisters. Their prices are a few cents lower. However, I am all about supporting our industry's stores (like Ellen Hutson and Eclectic Paperie) most. But I have ordered from and love all three of these options.

Hope this helps to explain Copics a bit for you. I will add additional information as I get questions. Thanks!

ETA: Decided to giveaway a few markers that I accidentally bought two of. In fact, they are three of my faves. Just leave a comment here by Wednesday night 11:50pmEST telling me if you use Copics, want to try them, etc and I will pick a winner of these:

1,091 thoughts on “Information on Copic Markers + Giveaway”

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I used a copic marker at my last card
class. I didn’t want to but they
twised my arm! Nice markers and they don’t look blotchy on the Neenah paper.
Copic markers are oh so tempting to have! Love your website – so much good info!

Yes,yes, yes I use Copics. I love them. When I am “coloring” in smaller areas, it is almost like the copic knows where the line is…..rarely go out of the lines. I am not too good at picking the colors but I will certainly use your suggestions above. Thank You so much. A Happy Copic Colorer

I really appreciate all the info you’ve give on copics. I have quite a few of them but am still having trouble blending some of the colors. Reds give me the hardest challenge. I read all I can and watch the videos that everyone has about using them. Plus have taken classes for them. Hope I win your 3 colored pens. Edna

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all this clear and consise information…..I have been totally bemused until now. I do have a few copics but, as one does when you don’t know any better, I bought the wrong colours completely! Those butterflies were the first things which convinced me that I needed copics…thanks so much for all this valuable information.

Thank you so much for the instructions! I have purchased a few Copic markers because I love the way they look in the magazines! I’ve been nervous to try them much myself though, but after reading this, I might just be a bit braver! Thanks so much 🙂 Pam

Oh my gosh, I did a google for copics and fell into this post! oh I am soooooooooo glad I did. I am just starting with digitals and copics and it is terrific, especially showing the actual colors in the grouings 🙂 for us 1st timers!!
thank you so much.
put right into my fav’s links 🙂

I was given you site by Ellen Vargo, great friend of mine. Although we are just getting started with copics and are taking a class at Queen’s Ink this Saturday, I was trying to get a head start. Your website has so much information and I’m loving the look of the copics. Thanks for all the help in blending and beautiful samples.
Connie

I have just started using copics..well shortly before Christmas. I have taken an online course and will be taking a class at CKC on them. My collection is growing slowly but those 3 colours I don’t have yet.
Thank you so much for the chance to win.

I would love those colors! I am in the process of trying to figure out which colors I would get the most use out of because I cannot afford all of them. Thanks for the tips on where to find coloring techniques. I find that if I see how to color an image I can copy it okay, but to color it without seeing where to put the shadows and highlights is near to impossible. I find I enjoy seeing the shadows and highlights. Anyway, thanks again!

Thank you so much for so much information on Copic. I am just starting to collect the pens and I must say this article is so helpful. I don’t have the 3 colors that you are giving away. Thanks for the opportunity to try to win.

Jennifer–loved all the information that you gave. I have picked up a couple of Copic pens when I have the money. I have made a couple of cards with the pens. I just need to keep getting more colors. I want to take a class and learn the right way to do things. Thank you for a chance to win 3 colors that I don’t have. I am a follower of yours, and Debbie Olsen. I have ordered from Ellen Hutson.

I must say Jennifer you did a really good job in explaining Copics. Thank you – appreciate it! And I would love to win these!! For my birthday my children could only afford one and they got me the black – it goes with everything right!!?
Thanks for the offer and congrats to the one who wins!

I’m getting the 24 sketch set and I’m also will be buying 14 invidudual markers. And I have some problems on picking the colors . I’m in to does bright colors like : BV , V , RV , R , BG , B , and F ( Floursent ). Please help me !

I took a class a while back how to use copics and they changed everything about the way I now craft. They are the BEST investment I have ever made as far as mt craft supplies. Ladies that have not taken the jump into the worls of copics… go for it. They may be a little more costly but they are worth every penny!!! Thanks Jennifer Love all your information. 🙂

Hi Jennifer! I have really contemplated using copics, the price is holding me back. I have purchased several sets of the bic mark its, just to see if my hands would do it and for middle age hands that have had carpal tunnel, they are not bad. Using inexpensive markers to start has made me realize, I would really enjoy using copics. So, it may be something I ask for at Christmas or Birthday. Thanks for all of your great info, I love that you share like that.

Hello. I have started to play with a copic marker or two. I tried spectrum which I read good reviews on, I did not like them. I would love to have a few copics to play with until I get the hang of it. I am not greedy, I just don’t have disposable income to buy different kinds to try. I love hero arts stamps and would love to be able to try them out with my stamps. My goal is to become good enough that I can someday work for hero arts and share what little talent I have. Thanks Deb

I have never used Copic markers before. I have been searching for the perfect markers for myself, and I think I have finally found some that I can use! I love the pretty colors of these markers, and I really enjoy art and drawing. This comment isn’t just so I can win, either. I would really like to support you and your website, and I am someone who really appreciates the value of creativity and the effort you have spent on making a website for all of these people. I wish you the best of success!!!!;)

2.10.2010 you showed the photo of the markers in three (3) white wooden divided vertical containers…there was a link to a ton of sites, but none had the dividers in the photo…can you please tell me where you got them, please.
Appreciate the help!

Hi Jennifer! I would love to be the winner of the Copic Markers, in fact, anything you have extra of, I’ll be happy to take off your hands! I’m still a rookie at card making and little by little building up my supplies. Love your videos and have watched tons of them to create that almost perfect card 🙂
Keep up the great card making and God bless!
Irma

I’ve been using & collecting COPICs since 2003-04. I purchased many CIAOs from a tiny but fantastic scrapbook store that disappeared after ’08. I wish I would have known not to purchase CIAO in favor of the SKETCH w more ink, bc those need refills. I have purchased any refills yet (I don’t use often enough being newly disabled in these years). I love your self taught methods to suit your needs, just like me. I love your organization & crafting videos & live vicariously thru your videos. I love how your heart comes thru in your craft, don’t ever stop.

Hi Jennifer, just wondering if you have a post that talks about your 3 most used grey sketch markers. I recall you mentioning them in a post but can’t remember which one… maybe for an elephant? I know you are busy and appreciate your time and response. BTW I am amazed by your creativity, creations and your kindness. You are inspiring! And thanks so much for sharing everything you do! Certainly inspires me to get back to making cards. Thanks